Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has been a cornerstone in the fight against hunger. Serving over 1,000,000 individuals per month, they have distributed more than 2 billion pounds of food across Los Angeles County through a network of more than 600 partner agencies. Powered by the support of hundreds of thousands of volunteers each year, the LA Regional Food Bank remains one of the most efficient nonprofits in the region, with 96% of all revenue going directly to programs that provide critical food assistance.
CalFood dollars are a powerful state investment into local food ecosystems. These funds allow food banks to purchase California-grown produce and pantry staples, supporting both food-insecure families and the state’s agricultural producers. For the LA Regional Food Bank, CalFood is essential.
“With this funding,” says Flood, “our team at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is also able to support partners like FISH at West Valley Food Pantry to serve their community partners with dignity and nutrition at the forefront.”
The partnership between the LA Regional Food Bank and FISH at West Valley Food Pantry has grown over the last decade. Under the leadership of Anna Cod Dennis, FISH has become a trusted community resource in the San Fernando Valley, offering food and essential support services to unhoused neighbors, students, families and seniors.
Anna shares, “Our mission is to do everything we can to help those in need in our community. If you’re hungry, it’s very difficult to make good decisions about your life so we try to alleviate that.”
The Food Bank and FISH’s partnership makes it possible for the pantry to distribute food sourced through the CalFood program and enables them to keep their shelves stocked with high-quality, nutritious produce year-round.
Food insecurity is about more than just hunger—it’s about access to the kind of food that promotes long-term well-being.
Volunteer Stephanie Din says, “Food insecurity has been especially meaningful to me because it’s such a direct and tangible way to help improve someone’s future.”
By sourcing food through the CalFood program, FISH can offer items that meet a wide range of dietary needs, supporting both health and dignity.
Stephanie continued, “Working here to address food insecurity has allowed me to see in person the relief on families’ faces when they realize they won’t have to worry about their next meal. It’s a reminder why this work matters.”
Volunteers like Heather Singer are a testament to the personal connections created through these partnerships.
“I personally love taking care of the unhoused. We joke, we laugh, we play around. They’re humans who deserve compassion and understanding, just like the rest of us,” said Heather.
Food distributed through the CalFood program doesn’t just fill pantries, it builds relationships, restores hope and strengthens neighborhoods.
“You think, ‘I’m at rock bottom,’ and then these people who are truly going through so much, come in with a smile. They ask for something simple like a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter and you can see that they’re so grateful for something I might often take for granted,” continued Heather.
Anna put it simply, “With a small amount, you can feed a whole family. Donations to LA Regional trickle down to us. Their money is truly feeding people, and I can’t think of anything more noble than that.”
CalFood doesn’t just benefit food banks though, it supports California’s farmers and food producers by creating a stable market for their goods. By purchasing food locally, food banks keep dollars circulating in the state economy and reduce environmental impact by shortening supply chains. It’s a win-win for rural and urban communities alike.
Despite its success, CalFood is at risk of experiencing a significant funding drop. If funding is decreased from $62 million to just $8 million annually, food banks across the state won’t be able to meet the increasing demand.
This drop in funding would affect every link in the chain, from the farmers who produce the food, to the food banks that distribute it, to the families who depend on it. The result is fewer fresh vegetables, fewer staples and fewer meals served.
CAFB plays a critical role in defending and expanding resources like the CalFood program. Through coordinated advocacy, the organization ensures lawmakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions and that programs like CalFood continue to serve communities statewide.
Stephanie offers a hopeful call to action in saying, “If you have a little free time, consider using it to make the world slightly better, one day and one food bag at a time.” Volunteers are always welcome at your local food bank.
LA Regional Food Bank can be found on 脸书, Instagram的, X, 领英和 Threads.
随时与饥饿作斗争。
